Synthesis and photocatalytic property of BaTi4O9/RuO2 nanocomposites

Photocatalytic BaTi4O9/RuO2 nanocomposites have been prepared by a solution-based impregnation method for overall water splitting into H2 and O2 under ultraviolet light irradiation. Although the specific surface area of BaTi4O9 nanobelts is far larger than that of the counterpart bulk, the nanobelts do not exhibit a much higher photocatalytic activity than the corresponding bulk. Our results suggest that the photocatalytic efficiency of nanocrystals can be significantly affected by the defects, which may further indicate the benefit from the size reduction can be canceled by a higher electron-hole recombination rate due to the defects. Furthermore, the absence of reactive facets in BaTi4O9 nanobelts may be another reason leading to the decrease of photocatalytic efficiency of nanocrystals.

The photocatalytic property of the BaTi4O9 nanobelts and bulk samples for overall water splitting into H2 and O2 under ultraviolet light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► 1D semiconductor photocatalysts have merited special attention.
► The nanocomposites of BaTi4O9 nanobelts combined with RuO2 have been synthesized.
► BaTi4O9/RuO2 does not exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than the bulk.
► Photocatalytic efficiency of BaTi4O9/RuO2 can be significantly affected by the defects.